Fix mental health to end mass shootings: #tellusatoday

We asked readers what they thought of suspected Santa Barbara shooter Elliot Rodger, who had a history of disturbing behavior, being able to purchase guns. Twitter comments edited for clarity, length and grammar.

I'm more upset about how difficult it is to acquire a concealed carry permit in California to protect yourself.

—@GOPcomedy

Banning guns won't happen and isn't the solution. Lack of mental health and poor police work are to blame. He is believed to have killed three with a knife and three with a gun.

—@nadaidea

Where was his family? Where were the "monitors" at YouTube?

—@Dulan35

It should be easier to lock crazy people up against their will.

—@weimdog

This shows how stupid it is to treat someone with mental illness like he is normal. They need special-care schools and hospitals. President Obama needs to wake up and do something about mental illness. This is a serious problem.

—@aitakatia

Tighter gun control, background checks and politicians who aren't terrified of the NRA would've prevented this.

—@Feedee1977

Money talks. His wallet had more credibility than the videos he posted. The scary part is that he fooled trained sheriffs.

—@MOVEprofPHD

This isn't a gun-control issue; it's about mental health. Shootings are not about guns; they are about the people who shoot.

—@amgonza

For more of the conversation, follow #tellusatoday or @USATOpinion on Twitter.